Holding On: A Message for Marginalized Communities in America Today
Finding Safety, Strength, and Joy in the Midst of Collective Struggle
Every day, the headlines remind us of the uncertainty, division, and hostility that so many communities are facing. For those of us who live at the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, disability, class, and immigration status, these times are not just “stressful.” They can feel like a direct assault on our safety, dignity, and belonging.
At Inclusive Insights Counseling, we want to speak directly to you: your pain is real, your fear is valid, and your resilience is profound.
You Are Not Imagining It
When systems and leaders minimize or deny the oppression you face, it can make you question your own reality. Let us be clear: what you are feeling is not weakness, oversensitivity, or exaggeration. Naming oppression—whether racism, ableism, transphobia, xenophobia, or systemic poverty—is the first step toward refusing to internalize it. You deserve validation, not gaslighting.
Safety Is Essential, Not Optional
Before you can focus on growth or healing, your body and mind need stability. That might mean securing safe housing, seeking affirming healthcare, or simply creating grounding rituals for your nervous system when the world feels hostile. Asking for safety is not “too much”—it is your right.
Resistance Looks Many Different Ways
Some days resistance looks like marching, speaking out, or organizing. Other days it looks like resting, crying, or choosing joy in small, defiant ways. Both are forms of resilience. There is no one “right” way to resist; honoring your limits is part of survival.
Community Is a Lifeline
Oppression isolates us by design. Healing happens when we connect with others who understand, affirm, and uplift us. Whether through chosen family, cultural traditions, or therapy spaces that center your lived experience, community can remind you that you are not alone.
Your Worth Is Not Conditional
You are not worthy because of your productivity, compliance, or perfectionism. You are worthy because you exist. Period. Systems may try to measure your value by your output, your assimilation, or your silence. We refuse that. Your worth is inherent.
Final Word
The weight you carry is heavy, and it is not yours alone to fix. You deserve care, compassion, and support—especially in moments like these. If you are feeling overwhelmed by what is happening in America today, know that there are spaces, like ours, created to hold your truth with respect and safety.
You are not broken. You are surviving a world that too often fails to honor you. And you are not alone in this fight.
